Will County Gazette

Illinois Republican congressional candidate Ted Gradel points to U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville) as being at the center of the “power grab” that led to the impeachment inquiry filed against President Donald Trump.

“By announcing her support last month, Lauren Underwood personally paved the way for Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats to move forward with impeachment today,” Gradel said in a press release. "In Underwood’s own words, this is a ‘power grab’ and it is unfortunate that Pelosi and Underwood would rather cater to their radical base than work to address the issues that matter, like keeping our economic momentum going.”

Gradel, a former star kicker at Notre Dame, recently launched his campaign against Underwood in the 14th Congressional District on the strength of an underdog-themed videoed endorsement from legendary Fighting Irish coach Lou Holtz. 

Illinois Republican congressional candidate Ted Gradel | https://tedgradel.com

“Americans know what it’s like to be up against the odds,” Holtz says in a two-minute clip. “We just need our chance and leaders to protect our freedoms, opportunities and values that made this underdog nation the greatest on earth. You give Ted Gradel a chance and I promise you he won’t let you down.”

A self-described “political outsider,” Gradel is running on a platform of tax reform, reduced spending and congressional term limits.

Earlier this summer, Gradel was tabbed as an “On the Radar” candidate by the National Republican Congressional Committee as part of its 2020 Young Guns program.